USAFA band visits N.M. to strengthen ties

  • Published
  • By Kendahl Johnson
  • Kirtland Public Affairs
KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  The U.S. Air Force Academy band Blue Steel made the trek from Colorado Springs to play several community concerts at New Mexico venues.

The band played two concerts at Magdalena April 24, the first for students at the school and the second open to the community.  

Maj. Ben Mackey of the 58th Special Operations Wing introduced the band and thanked the Magdalena community for its support of the military.

“What we do at Kirtland is important to this nation,” Mackey said.  “When you see and hear our aircraft nearby, know that we are training pilots who are vital to the success of the Air Force, and we thank you for your support.”

April 25, the band played a concert for students at Highland High School in Albuquerque, and will play at an event at Isleta Casino April 26. 

Blue Steel is committed to enhancing community relations, supporting the recruiting mission of the United States Air Force Academy and instilling the Air Force core values of “Integrity, Service and Excellence” in our nation’s youth. 

Staff Sgt. Colin Trusedell, a member of the band, said they enjoy performing in areas near Air Force bases with flying missions to help strengthen relationships between the Air Force and community members, and thank them for their continued support. 

“We always like to come to New Mexico with its cool landscape,” Trusedell said. “We enjoy interacting with the people here and hope we are continuing to soften the image of the Air Force. We hope we are improving the relationships and letting members of the communities where we perform know we care about them.”

Blue Steel performs high energy music from a variety of genres, and their versatility and dynamic stage presence enables them to tell the Air Force story to audience members of all ages. Members include Staff Sgt. Joseph Gacioch, guitarist; Staff Sgt. Quincy Brown, drummer; Airman 1st Class Danielle Diaz, vocalist;  Staff Sgt. Colin Trusedell, bassist and musical director; Staff Sgt. Craig Larimer, keyboardist, and Master Sgt. Janusz Masztalerz, audio engineer.